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A high-stakes round of trade talks between India and the United States is set to unfold in New Delhi on Thursday as Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch arrives tonight to meet his Indian counterpart, Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
The two sides are working toward an ambitious Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), first launched in March this year. While both countries hope to wrap up the first phase of the agreement by October-November 2025, negotiations remain fraught with tension, particularly over agriculture and dairy&mdash;sectors India has fiercely protected as vital to the livelihoods of millions.
Complicating matters further is the tariff war. US President Donald Trump has already slapped a 50% tariff on Indian goods after a two-step escalation, citing both trade deficits and India&rsquo;s continued import of Russian oil. He has framed the move under his broader principle of &ldquo;reciprocity,&rdquo; vowing to mirror tariffs imposed by other nations. &ldquo;We will ensure fair trade,&rdquo; Trump reiterated, defending his hardline stance.
For India, the pressure is acute. A potential interim trade deal had been discussed to ease the tariff burden, but Washington&rsquo;s demands on market access for American dairy and farm products have so far met with resistance.
Despite the friction, the political messaging from both capitals has remained warm. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India-US ties as &ldquo;forward-looking&rdquo; and reaffirmed commitment to a Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership. &ldquo;Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump&rsquo;s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,&rdquo; Modi posted on X.
Trump, too, emphasized the personal bond he shares with Modi, calling India-US relations &ldquo;very special&rdquo; and reassuring that &ldquo;there is nothing to worry about.&rdquo;
But behind the camaraderie lies a race against time. For Lynch and Agrawal, this week&rsquo;s talks will test whether goodwill can bridge the sharp economic divides that threaten to overshadow one of the world&rsquo;s most consequential strategic partnerships.

US Envoy Lynch Touches Down in Delhi Tonight

Brendan Lynch in India to push trade deal as tariff tensions test ties with Washington

US Envoy Lynch Touches Down in Delhi Tonight

Brendan Lynch in India to push trade deal as tariff tensions test ties with Washington

September 15, 2025 | 17:35 IST